Numerous plants contain cholesterol-like compounds called sitosterols and their close relatives sitosterolins. A special mixture of these called beta-sitosterol is used for the treatment of
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) .

Some conditions are luckier than others. For some mysterious reason, there seem to be more useful herbal treatments for BPH than almost any other disease. Beta-sitosterol joins
saw palmetto ,
pygeum ,
nettle , and
grass pollen as a moderately well-documented treatment for BPH.

Based on highly preliminary evidence, it has been suggested that sitosterols may also help
strengthen the immune system .
1 In particular, one study suggests that beta-sitosterol can help prevent the temporary immune weakness that typically occurs during
recovery from endurance exercise , and can lead to a post-race infection.
2